Creamy Croatian Potato Pasta

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 250g (8.8 oz) pasta (such as penne or fusilli) 250g (8.8 oz) pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 250ml (1 cup) milk 250ml (1 cup) milk
• 100g (3.5 oz) grated cheese (such as Parmesan or cheddar) 100g (3.5 oz) grated cheese (such as Parmesan or cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 70g, 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated cheese until melted and smooth.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked potatoes and pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them with the creamy sauce.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Creamy Croatian Potato Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to dice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
• Cheese — Use a good quality grated cheese for the best flavor and melting consistency.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the dish.
• Fresh parsley — Chop the parsley just before serving to retain its vibrant color and fresh taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add cooked bacon or pancetta for a savory and smoky flavor.
• Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a hint of spiciness.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor profile.
• Add a handful of frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Croatian Potato Pasta as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Creamy Croatian Potato Pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a shallow bowl or on a plate, allowing the creamy sauce to coat the pasta and potatoes beautifully.